“Many students think that all fast food is a bad option but you can make healthy choices,â€Â Ann Lentell, a registered dietitian who teaches in the food science and nutrition department, said.
Just knowing which items to choose can make a big difference in the nutrition of your meal. Let̢۪s take a look at some healthy and some not so healthy options at the eateries on campus:
Taco Bell:
Healthy option: two spicy chicken soft tacos
Calories: 340
Fat: 12 g
Saturated fat: 4 g
Sodium: 1,160 mg
Not so healthy option: grilled stuffed chicken burrito
Calories: 640
Fat: 23 g
Saturated fat: 7 g
Sodium: 2,160 mg
Subway:
Healthy option: 6-inch double roast beef sub sandwich
Calories: 360
Fat: 7 g
Saturated fat: 3.5 g
Sodium: 1,300 mg
Not so healthy option: 6-inch meatball marinara sandwich
Calories: 560
Fat: 24 g
Saturated fat: 11 g
Sodium: 1,590 mg
Panda Express:
Healthy option: broccoli beef and mushroom chicken
Calories: 350
Fat: 17 g
Saturated fat: 3.5 g
Sodium: 1,200 mg
Not so healthy option: orange chicken
Calories: 500
Fat: 27 g
Saturated fat: 5.5 g
Sodium: 810 mg
Chick-fil-a
Healthy option: chargrilled chicken sandwich
Calories: 270
Fat: 3.5 g
Saturated fat: 1g
Sodium: 1,200 mg
Not so healthy option: Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich
Calories: 420
Fat: 16 g
Saturated fat: 3.5 g
Sodium: 1,300 mg
Molli Smith, a registered dietitian who teaches in the food science and nutrition department, said you can do little things to make your fast food meal healthier. She recommends substituting mustard for mayonnaise and skipping extras like olives, dressing, and cheese and adding fruits and vegetables when possible.
For example, if you choose to eat at Subway, she says to choose whole grain bread and pick lean meats like chicken or turkey instead of salami or meatballs. “Load [your sandwich] up with veggies,â€Â she said. “The peppers, the onions, the tomatoes, the lettuce. Put all those things on because they’ve got them all right there. They’re fresh and it’s a good way to get some veggies.â€Â
Registered dietitians Lentell and Smith stress that the number one thing to keep in mind when eating out is to avoid fried foods and large portion sizes.
On campus, you can look for healthy alternatives in the bookstore and student union such as yogurt, fruit and nuts. On Tuesdays, the Student Dietetics Association offers healthy alternatives from the Fresno State Farm Market in front of the bookstore.
George • Aug 10, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Just avoid fast food restaurants. Its not that hard.
Fast food makes ppl fat. Period. Why bother trying to be healthy in a fast food restaurant when you see so many other options that look tempting. I doubt that you’ll get a salad when its much more appetizing and just as convenient to get the juicy double bacon cheeseburger.
George • Aug 11, 2009 at 1:04 am
Just avoid fast food restaurants. Its not that hard.
Fast food makes ppl fat. Period. Why bother trying to be healthy in a fast food restaurant when you see so many other options that look tempting. I doubt that you’ll get a salad when its much more appetizing and just as convenient to get the juicy double bacon cheeseburger.
Chase • Apr 21, 2009 at 12:43 am
Healthy?!?! Give me a break…look at the sodium content of the items!!!
Chase • Apr 21, 2009 at 7:43 am
Healthy?!?! Give me a break…look at the sodium content of the items!!!